Manchester City's Gael Clichy willing to try new formation

Manchester City defender Gael Clichy has admitted that he would be willing to play a part in a new formation under manager Roberto Mancini.

The Italian boss orchestrated a 3-5-2 system for his side's 3-2 win over Chelsea in the Community Shield on Sunday.

While Clichy relished the new formation, the former Arsenal defender believes that Mancini will revert back to 4-4-2 for the new Premier League campaign.

"If I have to play in that position in the future, I believe I could go on playing until I'm 50 years old, because I didn't feel tired at all at the end of the match!" Clichy told L'Equipe.

"It was a 3-5-2 system and last season we played 4-4-2. So I think we will often play 4-4-2 again this term. I can't wait for someone to let me play. I will have to go and get my position as left full-back."

City begin the defence of their title with a home fixture against Southampton this Saturday.